Toyota Yaris and Wish Launched by UMW Toyota Motor
Tuesday, 16 May, Petaling Jaya – UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd unvieled the much awaited Toyota Yaris and Wish models to the media today, paving the way forward to a bigger slice of the Malaysian market. The Yaris was first launched in Europe in 1999, and was named the European ‘Car of The Year’ in year 2000. It has since then become Toyota’s best selling model in the European market. Also known as the Vitz in Japan, it was awarded the ‘Japan Car of the Year Award for 1999/2000.
The Wish was first launched in Asia in 2003, and we have seen numerous units here already, having been imported by ‘grey’ market players, and this model has already caught the eyes of many a would-be buyer. Now that UMW Toyota has started serious import of these models into Malaysia, loyal Toyota supporters can count on the vast network of Toyota branches and dealers to not only sell them the vehicles, but to offer service and parts support as well.
The two models are manufactured in Thailand, and are imported as CBU (completely built-up) units. At the launch function, Mr. David Chen, Managing Director of UMW Toyota Motor said the company has a monthly target of 100 units of Toyota Yaris and 200 units of Toyota Wish over the remaining months of this year. Mr. Chen also pointed out that the recent NAP (National Automotive Polict) offered minimum tariff for vehicles produced by ASEAN countries, and this has enabled the company to broaden its range of CBU vehicles in Malaysia.
“This would offer our customers more variety, with attractive prices, to meet their different needs and financial capacities and the NAP allows us to do this.”
The Toyota Wish and Yaris sold by UMW Toyota Motor and its dealers come with a 3-year or 100,000 kilometre warranty, as well as parts and service facilities nationwide.
The Toyota Yaris is available in two grades, both with 1.5 litre engines equipped with Toyota’s version of variable valve timing, VVTi. The standard version is the 1.5G, which ocmes with an automatic transmission and is priced at RM92,800, while the sportier variant, 1.5S, is also an auto, but with additional features such as an aero kit and a black interior.
The Toyota Wish is available in a single variant, comes with a 2.0 litre engine, and is priced at RM156,900; this includes an original Toyota aero kit, integrated spoiler for front and rear bumpers, side skirts and claddings, over-fenders and a rear roof spoiler.
The new models shall be in Toyota showrooms by 19 May 2006.
